Japanese Chopsticks

Whether you are an expert in the art of handling Japanese chopsticks or a beginner, you will surely find the pair of chopsticks that suits you in this collection.

The ideal pair of Japanese chopsticks for ramen

Chopsticks, also called hashi in Japanese, are the cutlery par excellence in Asian countries. Their origin dates back to 1600 to 1200 BC, in China. Originally used as kitchen utensils or to maintain the fire, chopsticks were used at the table when China experienced an economic crisis. Iron cutlery had become too expensive, so the population started to make wooden chopsticks, much more affordable. Over time, the use of chopsticks has become popular in Asian countries and its shape has been adapted to the culture of each country.

In Japan, chopsticks are short (about 20 cm) and the end that is used to catch the food is pointed, unlike other Asian chopsticks. While for some of us, handling this cutlery is an inexplicable feat, others can handle Japanese chopsticks with great dexterity. As soon as you get the hang of it, a whole world of different and feasible gestures opens up to you. With your simple pair of chopsticks, you will be able to cut, mix, roll, drain and separate your food.

Our store features wooden chopsticks with a sober design, others with a worked handle or chopsticks adorned with Japanese motifs. To complete your Japanese dinner service or to offer to friends, you can also buy a set of 5 pairs of Japanese chopsticks.

How to use Japanese chopsticks?

1. Put the first chopstick on the last phalanx of the ring finger and place its thick end in the hollow between the thumb and the index finger. This chopstick remains fixed.
2. Grab the second stick like a pen, between the index, middle and thumb fingers. This is the stick that will move.
3. Practice picking up small foods from your plate using the chopsticks as a pair of tongs.

Some cultural rules to respect when eating with Japanese chopsticks:

To eat with Japanese chopsticks, you should carefully grasp the food and then bring it to your mouth. Chopsticks are never used to push or poke the food.

Never stick your chopsticks vertically into your rice bowl, never pass food to someone from chopstick to chopstick, and never cross your chopsticks. All these gestures are reserved for the worship of the dead and the ancestors in Buddhism. Making these gestures at the table would be a sign of bad luck or bad omen.

Chopsticks are only used to eat, so other actions like licking them, using them as toothpicks, drawing with them or flying over the dishes with your chopsticks without deciding what to take are not allowed.

Now that you have these few main rules in mind, you can go and enjoy a good bowl of ramen or a plate of sushi in accordance with the Japanese culinary art.